U2's next big gig to indeed take place at Apple's 'iPhone 6' event, says NYT
On the eve of the big event, U2 is said to indeed play a part in Apple’s special launch gala tomorrow, which is expected to see the unveiling of the “iPhone 6″ and the “iWatch.”
Rumors of an upcoming marketing tie-up between Apple and U2 first emerged last week, but a spokesperson for the band denied the claims. Now, however, the New York Times reports that the two parties have planned something big for tomorrow’s event:
Extending a decade-long connection with Apple, U2 will play a significant part in Apple’s event, which will be held at a performing arts center in Cupertino, Calif., the company’s home base, according to three people briefed on its plans. In addition to performing, the band will reveal an integration with Apple’s products that is connected to its next album, which is expected to come out by the end of the year, according to these people, who spoke anonymously because the band’s appearance — and its deal with Apple — is supposed to be a surprise.
U2 and Apple have been longtime partners. In particular, the company has been a top contributor to the (Red) anti-AIDS charity cofounded by U2 frontman Bono.
Bono himself, whose silhouette inspired the Artists icon in the iOS Music app, was a close friend of Apple cofounder Steve Jobs and was one of the artists handled by Beats cofounder Jimmy Iovine.
Apple and U2′s new partnership, if the rumors turn out to be true, comes about a decade after the two parties’ tie-up for the U2 iPod, a special edition of Apple’s music player with the band’s signatures and a red and black color scheme based on U2′s “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” album.
According to the rumors, U2 may take the stage at Apple’s event tomorrow to debut a single from its new album, which is said to come preloaded with the iPhone 6.
In any case, we’ll know for certain once Apple officially announces the details about its upcoming smartphone, wearable device, and other products tomorrow, beginning at 10 a.m. PDT.
